New luxurious island publication garners rave reviews
Two weeks after the debut of its inaugural issue, St. John Magazine continued flying off the newsstands at several locations throughout St. John. More than 2,000 copies of the magazine have been distributed across the island to date.
Many local stores have had to restock the magazine several times, including Starfish Market and Starfish Gourmet and Wines, where more than 600 issues have been sold collectively.
“In the first week alone, we sold three cases,” said Starfish Market Manager Nedra Ephraim. “People have been really impressed with the whole magazine. In most magazines about the Virgin Islands, you might expect to hear about St. Thomas, but St. John Magazine is strictly St. John, and that’s what I like about it.”
At Book and Bean, where some weekly magazines sell for more than $6, patrons are impressed that St. John Magazine — a twice-yearly publication — sells for just $7, explained owner Lisa McCarthy.
“Everybody is really impressed with both the quality and the price,” said McCarthy. “It’s a well-produced magazine and the reaction has been very favorable.”
Magazine Makes Great Stocking Stuffer
St. John Magazine is well worth the price, added Starfish Gourmet and Wines Manager Paul Tsakeres.
“Everyone responds to the cover photo,” Tsakeres said. “My standard line is that the cover photo alone is worth the cost.”
The cover photo of the inaugural issue is a stunning aerial view of the island’s East End by renowned local photographer Steve Simonsen — who himself was surprised and impressed with the quality of St. John Magazine.
“I wish some of the other publications I work with looked as nice as this one,” said Simonsen, who has worked with numerous national travel magazines.
Chelsea Drug Store sold its first case of 40 magazines within the first two days it was on newsstands, explained store owner Heidi Coyle.
“People are buying more than one at a time,” said Coyle. “It’s a wonderful stocking stuffer.”
Positive accolades have even come from Governor John deJongh, who has a copy of the magazine on his desk, according to Government House spokesperson Jean Greaux.
“The governor believes it’s a very positive, professional portrayal of St. John,” said Greaux. “He is very much impressed with the presentation of such a nice publication. He is really pleased.”
Enjoying Final Product
St. Thomas residents are enjoying St. John Magazine as well. Vaughn Walwyn of St. Thomas enjoyed flipping through his copy and sharing it with friends, he explained.
“The magazine looks fabulous,” said Walwyn. “It’s vivid and really nice. I showed it off to some people and they were really impressed.”
Many of those who participated in the making of the magazine were pleased with the end result. Vern Tonge, a model in the “Fashion Aficionada” piece on St. Johnian clothier and artist Karen Samuel, shared her excitement at being a part of the inaugural issue.
“Thanks to you for making one of my dreams come true — being in a magazine,” Tonge wrote in an email to St. John Magazine publisher MaLinda Nelson. “For all the time I have been modeling on island, I have not been featured in a magazine and it is an honor to be part of your inaugural issue. Words alone cannot express how well put together and how well written the magazine is.”
“I have been walking around with my copy in my bag and showing it to all my friends and associates, and they love it,” Tonge continued. “They love the quality and its content. Bravo on a job well done!”
Caneel Bay Guests Taking Magazine Home
Guests at the Caneel Bay Resort — a supporter of St. John Magazine from the beginning — can enjoy the copy of the publication which is provided in each of the resort’s guest rooms. Many guests are taking advantage of this amenity, taking the magazine home with them to show their friends and family.
“Caneel Bay guests are loving the first issue of St. John Magazine — in fact, I am already needing to order more copies,” said the resort’s director of marketing, Patrick Kidd. “This is just further proof that our destination was overdue for a magazine of this caliber, and I could not be more delighted for MaLinda Nelson and her team.”
St. John Magazine is on newsstands at locations across the island, and subscriptions are available. For more information, visit www.stjohnmagazine.com.
